Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon is announced as the BRITs Critics’ Choice Winner – ahead of next month’s ceremony in Manchester

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Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon was announced as the BRITs Critics’ Choice Winner on Monday.

BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders announced that the 25-year-old star, who uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, is gaining recognition.

I’m so excited to share that Jacob is the first confirmed winner for The BRITs 2026! And even better, he’ll be receiving a really special trophy designed by Matthew Williamson. It’s going to be amazing!

Jacob expressed his sincere gratitude to the critics for acknowledging his work with the award, playfully calling them ‘absolute dotes’ – a term of endearment.

Growing up in my small Scottish hometown, it often felt like opportunities were limited. Being involved in this now feels incredible, like I’ve broken through all those boundaries and am soaring above everything.

With so much harshness and pain in the world, I’m thankful for the moments of peace and gentleness, and I’ll continue to protect them.

This music is deeply meaningful to me, and it brings me so much joy when others connect with it. I hope my album resonates with even more listeners and brings them happiness too.

‘Thank you to anyone who has ever listened.’

This year’s nominees—Rose Gray, Sienna Spiro, and Jacob—join a long list of past finalists and winners who have gone on to achieve great things. They’re following in the footsteps of many successful people who were once nominated.

The lineup features popular artists like Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Griff, FLO, The Last Dinner Party, Myles Smith, and many others.

Starting in 2026, the award will once again be called the Critics’ Choice Award. This change recognizes how important positive reviews are for artists just beginning their careers.

Launched in 2008, the award aims to spotlight up-and-coming British musicians. Like in past years, a panel of music experts from across the media, radio, and music industry chose the winner.

This program focuses on showcasing artists early in their careers. To qualify, artists haven’t yet released a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 hit single – the requirements haven’t changed from previous years.

Okay, so this award? It’s HUGE for up-and-coming British artists – the ones who haven’t quite broken through yet. Basically, if you haven’t had an album crack the Top 20, or if you’ve only had one single make it that far by Halloween 2025, you’re still eligible! It’s all about giving a platform to those on the verge of something massive, and I’m living for it. Seriously, this is a chance for a real star to be born, and I’m already scouting who it’ll be!

Jacob, who grew up in Fife, discovered a love for performing at a school talent show. They quickly realized they had a natural ability to captivate an audience with just a piano and a compelling story.

This natural feeling stayed with them as they grew up exploring forests, getting into trouble, and realizing they were different—a feeling they began to overcome through writing songs.

Jacob discovered their true self through music in Edinburgh’s vibrant folk scene. Songwriting became a way to express feelings and experiences they couldn’t put into words.

Their honest and personal songwriting heavily influenced their first album, In Limerence, which quickly established them as a unique and exciting new artist in the UK. The album was even recognized with a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2025 Mercury Prize.

This year has been a breakthrough for Jacob. He was the first Scottish artist to win BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Year, and his work received further recognition with a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. He’s also performed on national television with Jools Holland and played a popular set at Glastonbury, culminating in being named an Artist of the Year by BBC Radio 6 Music.

Following the announcement that this year’s BRIT Awards are being held in Manchester for the first time, organizers have revealed they’re also hosting a special event to highlight up-and-coming musicians from the city.

The ‘Manchester Seen and Heard’ event, part of The BRITs, will showcase local artists and help connect them with music industry professionals.

Get ready for a fantastic lineup of events! On Friday, February 27th, New Century Hall will host Fringe Lab – a lively day of networking and performances for people in the music industry.

Before the yearly awards show, Brighter Sound is holding workshops and events to help young musicians build successful careers in music.

The BRITs Fringe program will be brought into schools throughout the city to help them identify and develop talent in all students.

The date when this year’s crop of nominees will be announced is Wednesday, January 21.

For the first time in its 46-year run, the BRIT Awards announced in June that it would be held outside of London.

Jack Whitehall will host the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, a city known for its vibrant music scene. Plus, the iconic BRITs trophy itself is getting a fresh new look.

As part of a really exciting update, we’re giving the BRIT Award trophy a total makeover! Instead of the solid, opaque design it used to be, it’s now being crafted from beautiful, clear amber-coloured resin. I think this new look is absolutely stunning and really reflects a move towards greater transparency – both literally and figuratively. It’s a fresh, modern take on a classic!

Local designer Matthew Williamson was enlisted to think up the new design for the trophies.

Matthew described the statue as being made of stylish, amber-colored resin, reminiscent of golden honey. He explained it echoes Manchester’s bee logo, representing the city’s history during the Industrial Revolution and its broader significance.

The designer is now part of a prestigious group of artists and designers who have created the trophy, following in the footsteps of last year’s creator, Gabriel Moses, and iconic figures like Dame Vivienne Westwood and Tracey Emin.

This year’s Brit Awards, the biggest night in British music, will take place in Manchester. Organizers plan to hold the event in different cities around the UK for the years to come.

The company plans to expand its reach to new audiences in different areas and move away from being seen as focused solely on London.

The BRIT Awards, known for memorable moments like Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress and Madonna’s fall during the 2015 show, has taken place at London’s O2 Arena every year since 2011.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen this event held in some truly iconic places! Over the years, it’s graced stages like Earl’s Court, the London Arena, and Alexandra Palace. We’ve also enjoyed fantastic shows at Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, and the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. And believe it or not, it all started at the Wembley Conference Centre – a great beginning for what’s become a real spectacle!

However, relocating the event from the capital marks a significant turning point in its history – perhaps the most dramatic one yet.

According to a source speaking with the Daily Mail, moving the BRIT Awards to Manchester will allow more fans to attend, expanding the event’s reach beyond London and including those from the surrounding areas. It’s considered the most important night for British music.

Recently, many people have felt the awards ceremony should be relocated, following the examples of events like The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards. For the first time, this move means the music industry won’t be so focused on London, benefiting both those nominated and their fans.

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2026-01-19 22:07